Words / B1

LAT-uh/ˈlætə/

The latter is the second of two things just mentioned. The former is the first. Last means the final one in a longer list. Do not use latter when you have named three options. Trusts: of the two options, the latter is cheaper.

Meaning

The second of two things just mentioned (the latter).

Examples

• “Of the two options, the latter is cheaper for the trust.”
• “Use the former for cost and the latter for waiting times — only two items.”

Good to know

the latter (of two). Pair: the former. Longer lists: the last. Essay contrast. Not “latterly” for this meaning (that is later on).

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